VehicleVerdict

2018 Forest River XLR Toy Hauler problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2018 Forest River XLR Toy Hauler — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other XLR Toy Hauler years?

XLR Toy Hauler NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted14 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 4 complaints2020: 3 complaints2021: 14 complaints2022: 14 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 2 complaints
XLR Toy Hauler NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XLR Toy Hauler years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Forest River XLR Toy Hauler problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System250%
Other125%
Body & Structure125%

Does the 2018 Forest River XLR Toy Hauler have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V134000OtherFebruary 23, 2018 · 157 units

Defect

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forest River XLR Toyhauler recreational trailers, models XLT25KW, XLT25KW-W, XLT28KW and XLT28KW-W. The safety chains on these vehicles do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer.

Consequence

If the trailer becomes uncoupled, the existing safety chains may fail, allowing the trailer to separate from the tow vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the safety chains with chains that exceed the vehicle's GVWR, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2018. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0432. Forest River's number for this recall is 45-0645.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“FRONT BEDROOM A/C WAS INCORRECTLY WIRED CAUSING MELTDOWN AND FAILURE OF THE WIRE NUT. THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT INSULATION STRIPPED FROM THE JOINING WIRES TO GIVE A GOOD PHYSICAL CONNECTION AND THE WIRE NUT WAS LOOSE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 27, 2018

“28 KW NITRO, FRESH WATER, CITY WATER AND BLACK TANK WASH OUT WILL MELT OFF THE SIDE OF UNIT, DUE TO THE PROPANE HOT WATER TANK EXHAUST BEING DIRECTLY BELOW THE PLASTIC FITTINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS SET UP IN A CAMPING LOCATION WITH A CITY WATER HOOKUP CONNECTED. *TT *TR *DT*JB*DT*AS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 4, 2018

“28 KW NITRO, FRESH WATER, CITY WATER AND BLACK TANK WASH OUT WILL MELT OFF THE SIDE OF UNIT, DUE TO THE PROPANE HOT WATER TANK EXHAUST BEING DIRECTLY BELOW THE PLASTIC FITTINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS SET UP IN A CAMPING LOCATION WITH A CITY WATER HOOKUP CONNECTED. *TT *TR *DT*JB*DT*AS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 4, 2018

2018 Forest River XLR Toy Hauler — common questions

Is the 2018 Forest River XLR Toy Hauler reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Forest River XLR Toy Hauler have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Forest River XLR Toy Hauler. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.